Media commentary is so often called media criticism for good reason. There's much to lament in journalism these days. But good coverage shouldn't go unnoticed. And so I say heckuva job to the reporters who've been drawing attention to a range of voting issues that have arisen this fall. There might not be a more important story right now -- and the media have been on top of it.
Publications have dutifully covered accusations of wrongdoing at ACORN and produced timely think pieces -- see Slate's look at the danger of believing in vote fraud. What's heartening, as well, is that the tone of news coverage about long lines for early voting hasn't been overly cheerleaderish -- wow, record turnout! -- but has been somewhat sober. There's plenty of warrented concern about polling places being unprepared on Election Day -- a story that's had legs thus far.
One could argue that the media were caught flat-flooted after the 2000 election debacle, but have learned from their mistakes. As record voter turnout is expected in 2008, reporters, at least, are prepared this time around.
Publications have dutifully covered accusations of wrongdoing at ACORN and produced timely think pieces -- see Slate's look at the danger of believing in vote fraud. What's heartening, as well, is that the tone of news coverage about long lines for early voting hasn't been overly cheerleaderish -- wow, record turnout! -- but has been somewhat sober. There's plenty of warrented concern about polling places being unprepared on Election Day -- a story that's had legs thus far.
One could argue that the media were caught flat-flooted after the 2000 election debacle, but have learned from their mistakes. As record voter turnout is expected in 2008, reporters, at least, are prepared this time around.
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